In many foreign countries (India is a prime example) education is the only way to success (unless you are one of the lucky few born into it). In this country, sad to say, many kids today are born into success and consider it a birthright -- while kids not born into success are often not taught at home that education is the best means of advancing yourself.
Many American kids don't work hard because they don't have to.
My own son flunked out of an engineering program and he was taught from day 1 the value of education. He was also taught to work hard and was pushed throughout high school, but alas, when he went away to college he chose the opposite road. He is now hanging drywall when he can find work. It is his choice. What also burns me is the education fund we established for him when he was an infant is now legally his to squander. Parents can have only so much influence, the rest is left to peers and various media outlets.
Lazy, lilly white, overweight, under-motivated, spoiled mall lizards.
A quote from a friend about his impression of the average middle and upper middle class kid here locally in Indianapolis.
Most of these kids go to college to extend their HS days. Many can't tell you what they intend to major in or do after college. Most end up majoring in Education or General Business.
Lets not forget that most engineers in India and China get their degrees paid for by their governments. Much easier that way.
Many American kids don't work hard because they don't have to...
Oh, they have to -- they just don't realize it yet. Imagine their surprise. No doubt they will blame their parents in later years...